25 Juli 2012

Understanding new renewables banding vital to success

New bands for bioenergy to provide the security needed by the industry to build a leading biomass-to-energy sector in the UK

Bioenergy consultants NNFCC – who were tasked by Government to provide evidence for today’s Renewables Obligation Banding Review – are urging the sector to gain a comprehensive understanding of the new rules, which could be a major boost to the industry.

While support for some renewable technologies were cut in line with Department of Energy and Climate Change estimations of costs, the Government have decided to reward the use of biomass waste in energy production by offering double Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) for gasification, pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion until 2015.

But NNFCC warn that a detailed knowledge of the new banding structure will be the key to success for companies looking to invest in bioenergy.

Dr Geraint Evans, who led NNFCC’s input to the consultation response, said: “”The new bands for bioenergy should provide the security needed by the industry to build a leading biomass to energy sector in the UK.”

“However, bioenergy policy remains a minefield and needs careful navigation. Developers must now ensure they are in the best position to take advantage of the changes to the Renewables Obligation by carefully assessing how their business can benefit from the new policy,” he added.

NNFCC conducted extensive research and evaluation for the Renewables Obligation banding review consultation response, including the provision of:

Recommended figures for calculating ROCs banding for advanced conversion technologies, such as pyrolysis and gasification

Informed estimates of the future use of advanced conversion technologies

Assessment of the potential use of efficiency as a measure for differentiating between technologies

Evaluation of the energy benefits, emissions and costs associated with pre-treating waste before energy recovery

NNFCC is now working on a series of projects with leading renewable energy investors, developers and suppliers to identify and deliver new, efficient ways of producing renewable energy and fuel from crops, wood and waste.